Understanding Santa Clara University's Out-of-State Tuition and Financial Aid

For students considering Santa Clara University (SCU), understanding the financial aspects, especially out-of-state tuition requirements and available aid, is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with attending SCU, the types of financial aid available, payment procedures, and other important financial considerations for prospective students.

The Cost of Attendance

Santa Clara University's tuition is $63,514, which is more expensive than the national average cost of tuition of $46,950. This sticker price includes both tuition and fees, which support various campus services such as library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and health centers. It's important to consider the total cost of attendance, which includes the sticker price in addition to expenses like food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At Santa Clara University, the total cost amounts to $86,694.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Santa Clara University offers various forms of financial aid to help students manage the cost of attendance. These include need-based aid, merit-based aid, and self-help options.

Need-Based Aid

Need-based financial aid takes a student’s financial status into account. In fall 2023, 37% of first-year students received need-based financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded being $41,590. Santa Clara University met 70% of its students’ financial aid need. Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study programs. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $7,238.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid, also known as non-need-based aid, is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Santa Clara University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $16,788.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are forms of funding that do not require repayment. They can be need-based, merit-based, or awarded based on community service, unique hobbies or traits, personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation. Some students receive enough scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.

Work-Study Programs

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of student loans. Santa Clara University offers work-study programs to eligible students and campus jobs to those looking to earn money. Students can check for in-person or online job boards to find available positions.

Student Loan Debt

The amount of student loan debt accumulated can significantly affect a student's financial life after college. Ideally, total student loan debt should be less than the anticipated starting salary after graduation. At Santa Clara University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $19,162. The median monthly federal loan payment for these borrowers, repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest, is $203. The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $28,479, with 31% of graduating students having borrowed some type of loan.

Financial Responsibility and Billing Procedures

Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University. It is crucial to be aware of the student account balance and financial aid information and to maintain current contact information to receive university correspondence. Students must agree to the terms and conditions annually through the Workday portal. By accepting SCU’s Annual Online Agreement, students agree to pay and abide by all published policies and procedures.

Billing and Payment

Students receive monthly bills electronically via a third-party vendor, accessible through the Workday portal. Students can also authorize a third party (e.g., parent, family member, spouse) to review billing information and make payments. However, the student remains responsible for ensuring all financial obligations are met by the published deadlines. Students are obligated to pay tuition and fees associated with their enrollment status by the term payment deadline, regardless of receiving a billing statement.

Read also: Explore Santa Clara University

Payment Methods

Payments can be made online via electronic check without incurring a transaction fee. Payments can also be made in person by check at the OneStop Office. Payments made by paper check are subject to a 10-day calendar hold. The university does not accept credit cards for student account charges.

Extended Payment Options

The university offers term payment plans for students and families wishing to spread payments over time. These plans are available through the online billing system via the Workday portal or Authorized Payer Transact portal. There is a $40 non-refundable fee to enroll in these plans each term, but no interest is charged during the payment term.

Late Payments and Holds

The institution reserves the right to require students with repeated late payments to prepay for future enrollment. A registration hold may be placed on the account if a student's prior-term payment history shows at least 2 consecutive terms of late payments, requiring prepayment with guaranteed funds for a minimum of three consecutive terms before the hold is lifted. A hold on a student’s account prevents the release of diplomas or certificates, access to registration services, and may limit access to other university services.

Delinquent Accounts

Students with unpaid accounts or who defer payment without approval are subject to dismissal from the university. Delinquent student accounts may be reported to credit bureaus and forwarded to a collection agency or attorney. All unpaid balances referred to an outside collection agency will accrue 10 percent interest per annum on the balance remaining from the date of default, in accordance with California state law. The student is responsible for all costs incurred to collect outstanding debt, including accrued interest, late fees, court costs, collection fees, and reasonable attorney fees.

Refunds

Students may be eligible for a refund if they have a credit balance on their student account. Refunds are processed after the end of the add/drop period of each term/semester. Payments made are subject to holds before refunds can be issued. Refunds will not be processed for any overpayment on the account unless the student has completely withdrawn or dropped units causing a credit balance.

Tuition Insurance Protection Plan

Santa Clara University partners with A.W.G. to provide a low-cost tuition insurance protection plan. This plan protects students and their families against financial loss due to an unexpected complete withdrawal from the university for diagnosed medical or mental health reasons. The tuition insurance protection plan covers 80% of the student’s out of pocket tuition costs for diagnosed medical and mental health-related withdrawals that occur after the first week of the term.

Billing Disputes

If a student wishes to dispute any charge on their billing statement, a written explanation should be forwarded to the Bursar’s Office within 60 days from the billing statement date. The communication should include the student’s name, SCU identification number, the amount in question, and a brief explanation. Payment for the amount in question is not required while the investigation is in progress, but all other charges need to be paid by the payment deadlines.

Tuition Rates

The Board of Trustees sets the annual academic year tuition rate and the summer sessions tuition rate for the undergraduate program. The full-time quarterly tuition rate for fall, winter, and spring terms is set at one-third of the annual tuition rate. The part-time, per-unit tuition rate for fall, winter, and spring terms is set at one-twelfth of the quarterly tuition rate.

Housing and Dining Charges

The Board of Trustees sets housing and dining charges for undergraduate student housing. Rates for specific types of accommodations and meal plans are available from the Housing Office. Students sign a University Housing Contract for a full academic year or, if entering housing mid-year, for the remainder of the academic year.

In support of the residential nature of Santa Clara University, full-time undergraduate students are generally required to live on campus during their first and second year, unless an exception is approved or space is unavailable.

Tuition Status and Adjustments

The tuition status of a student is determined as of the end of the late registration period. Students enrolled for 12 or more units at the end of the late registration period are charged the quarterly tuition rate. Students enrolled for fewer than 12 units are charged the per-unit tuition rate. No adjustment is made to the tuition charges for changes to enrollment after the end of the late registration period unless the student completely withdraws from the University.

Tuition Refunds

Students who completely withdraw from the University are eligible for a refund of tuition charges in accordance with the policies outlined. No refunds are made for registration fees or course audit fees. Students who wish to completely withdraw from the University are responsible for meeting with a University advisor, submitting the applicable withdrawal form with the Office of the Registrar, and completing all other withdrawal requirements. The effective date used for the determination of any refund of tuition is the date on which notification of withdrawal is received by the Office of the Registrar, not the last date of attendance by the student.

Requirements for International Applicants

Requirements for international applicants vary based on educational level and citizenship status. Students who attend a foreign university will need to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of all international coursework by WES, an accredited evaluation agency. Santa Clara University will only accept evaluations provided by WES. No credit will be considered for transfer without this evaluation.

Test-Optional Policy

Santa Clara University has adopted a two-year “test optional” policy beginning with Fall 2021 first-year applicants. Scores on the SAT or ACT are not required for students applying to Santa Clara University, nor will they be disadvantaged for doing so in the admission process. For those who wish to submit scores for consideration, self-reported test scores can be submitted through the student's SCU application status portal.

Additional Information

Santa Clara University is a medium-sized, private institution located in Santa Clara, CA. Founded in 1851, it offers undergraduate degrees in 89 majors. The university is known for its top majors, including Business Administration, Management, and Operations. Scholarships are available to help cover education costs and do not need to be paid back.

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